And now, every one being satisfied, not to say stuffed to repletion, the two who had been attending to their wants stood still, hot and exhausted.
'They're a'most stawed,' said Mrs.Corney, with a pleased smile.
'It'll be manners t' ask some one as knows how to sing.' 'It may be manners for full men, but not for fasting,' replied Brunton.

'Folks in t' next room will be wanting their victual, and singing is allays out o' tune to empty bellies.' 'But there's them here as 'll take it ill if they're not asked.

I heerd Josiah Pratt a-clearing his throat not a minute ago, an' he thinks as much on his singin' as a cock does on his crowin'.' 'If one sings I'm afeard all on 'em will like to hear their own pipes.' But their dilemma was solved by Bessy Corney, who opened the door to see if the hungry ones outside might not come in for their share of the entertainment; and in they rushed, bright and riotous, scarcely giving the first party time to rise from their seats ere they took their places.

One or two young men, released from all their previous shyness, helped Mrs.Corney and her daughters to carry off such dishes as were actually empty.

There was no time for changing or washing of plates; but then, as Mrs.Corney laughingly observed,-- 'We're a' on us friends, and some on us mayhap sweethearts; so no need to be particular about plates.